Iman + Justin’s Elegant Wedding at Hotel Utica
I woke up the morning of Iman and Justin’s wedding and was so excited! This elegant wedding was the culmination of a lot of preparation and planning from a team of rockstar vendors headed up by Courtney of Crown Coordination. Having a wedding coordinator is such an invaluable resource. It not only puts you and your spouse at ease on your wedding day, but it makes everything run so smoothly for your vendors as well! It’s usually a surefire sign for me that we’re in for an easy and fun day!
The moment we arrived, we got to work photographing the Bride and Groom’s details, along with pictures of them getting ready. Between the tall ceilings, large windows, dark neutral decor, and historic touches, Hotel Utica is such an amazing venue for getting ready photos.
Iman and Justin had a traditional church ceremony at Holy Trinity Church. The sanctuary was a grand room with ornate woodwork and intricate decor that really highlighted what a special moment this was for them. Despite being a church wedding, it was short and sweet, so we had plenty of time for family and wedding party photos at the church afterward.
The whole crew headed back to Hotel Utica and I took some photos of the newlyweds in the reception space. The whole room makes you feel like you’re in an elegant ballroom, but it’s actually the lobby of the hotel, I had never been inside this stunning space before, and I loved how luxurious it felt!
Iman and Justin’s wedding party was introduced to the reception, then Justin gave an emotional speech that left the entire room with tears in their eyes. Their first dance was next, followed by the mother-daughter and mother-son dances that were equally touching. It was time to cut their cake, and it included the cutest little replica of their dog down in the bottom corner taking a bite of the cake!
I pulled them aside during the reception for a quick portrait session outside during the golden hour. There’s a tiny little park across the street from the hotel called Liberty Bell Park that featured a beautiful mural. As it turns out, the mural was actually painted in part by my old college professor, Charles “Corky” Goss. What a fun little connection!
We headed back inside to finish up the night. Iman and Justin did a garter and bouquet toss, then everyone danced the night away. It was such a fun party, and so evident that everyone absolutely adores the happy couple. Before we left, Iman and Justin asked for a photo with all of the vendors. We had a great team of wedding professionals, and we were just as thankful for Iman and Justin as they were for us! Thank you so much for choosing us to be there for your big day. It was the best!
Venue: Hotel Utica by Doubletree
Church: Holy Trinity Church
Planning: Crown Coordination
Florist: Bloom and Blossoms
Decor: CNY Party Planner
DJ: Envision Entertainment and Events
Cake: Classy Cakes
Videographer: Film by Sav
MUA: Lamijas Beauty Room
